This class is part of the seven-part virtual World Embroidery Series IV. Classes may be purchased à la carte at $75 or as a six-part package for a discounted price of $450. 

Originating on Muhu Island located off Estonia’s western coast, Muhu embroidery is known for its bold floral motifs, stylized birds, and swirling vines, stitched in bright pinks, oranges, and greens on black wool or dark fabric. Vivid designs often adorned festive clothing, mittens, slippers, and home textiles, serving both decorative and symbolic purposes. In the 19th and early 20th centuries, the embroidery formed a crucial part of a woman’s dowry and personal wardrobe, showcasing her technical ability and taste. 

In this workshop, we’ll begin with a visual introduction to the history of Muhu embroidery and its place within Estonian folk costume and village life. Participants will then learn traditional stitches such as satin stitch, stem stitch, and couching, and practice placing motifs in the characteristic asymmetrical, yet balanced, Muhu style. A floral motif from a traditional wedding blanket provides the inspiration for our class pattern.

Date + Time

Thursday, January 8th, 2026, 12-2:30 pm ET

Location

Zoom, a link will be emailed to participants the day before class.

Cost

$75 for the individual class
$450 for the series

Materials

• Wool embroidery floss (traditional) or DMC stranded cotton in 8 colors: three shades of pink, light orange, two shades of green, white, and red. You can use crewel wool or DMC Eco Vita as it's easier to source than the merino wool thread they use.
• Embroidery or crewel needle depending on which fiber you are using and how easy it is to thread.
• Wool, cotton, or linen fabric. Traditionally, they embroider on merino wool. Sarah stitched DMC cotton mouliné on black linen for this example piece.
• Frixion pen to transfer the pattern if working on light fabric or a chalk pencil if working on black.
• Scissors.
• Hoop if you prefer to use one.

Scholarships

We have two scholarships available for this experience. To be considered for a scholarship, please fill out the scholarship application form.

Our Teacher 

Sarah Pedlow, the founder of ThreadWritten, is an artist working with embroidery and cultural preservation through workshops, textile travel tours, and fine art. ThreadWritten supports women artisans, traditional and contemporary textile practices, and the preservation of heritage through research, education, and the cultivation of a global community of makers. Originally from the San Francisco Bay Area, Sarah moved to Amsterdam, NL, in 2019, and recently to Rotterdam where she now lives and works. She has taught and lectured at the Fashion Institute of Technology, The Textile Arts Council at the de Young Museum, San Francisco School of Needlework and Design, TATTER (Brooklyn, NY), WildCraft Studio School (Portland, OR), The Embroiderers’ Guild of America, The John C. Campbell Folk School, Wereldmuseum Rotterdam, Crafts Council Nederland, and Selvedge. She holds an MFA in Visual Arts from Rutgers University (US) and her work has been featured in Uppercase, Veranda, House & Garden UK, Piecework, and Selvedge magazines. Find her artwork at sarahpedlow.com.

*This class session will be recorded. A link to the recording will be emailed to all those who register following the live session. This link is live for one month for you to watch at your convenience.